FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT NOW BOOKS.

Q. How are Now books any different from any other textbook?
A. Actually, Now books are different, different in two ways that will really influence your class, the way you teach and what your students retain.

First the writing. Now books have been written by someone who actually is a professional graphic designer and photographer; very "in the trenches" real-world stuff. Since he hasn't been trained as a "technical writer" his writing doesn't read like stereo instructions. Because he is passionate about these topics his writing has personality, directness, and even a little humor. Students enjoy reading Now books(when was the last time you could say that about a technical textbook?). A common remark among teachers using Now books is that they can get their students to read these books when they won't read anything else. Learning doesn't have to be like digging a ditch.

Second the publishing. Now books are produced using Xerox's publish-on-demand system. That means Now books are more current, less expensive and infinitely customizable.

Q. So how current are Now books?
A. Very current. Now books use a publish on demand system which allows us to update our books continuously, throughout the year. When you order a book, you get a book that has been updated to the latest technological advances of the last few weeks, not the last year.

The rapid pace of change in technology demands this. Traditional publishing can't produce books fast enough to keep pace. As a result most tech books are obsolete before they even get off the press.

Q. What do Now Books cost?
A. $28. Each, plus shipping. We understand your need to replace tech books frequently.

Q. What do you mean Now Books are customizable?
A. Because Now books are published on demand, also allows us to modify editions to suit your specific needs; A teacher in a small school in Oklahoma requested a chapter on copyright ethics; she got it. We can tailor a book specifically for your class. What would you like in your books?

Q. Will students like Now books? Will they actually use them?
A. Most technology textbooks are written by technical writers and thus read like stereo instructions: dry and confusing. Our writing style, though technically accurate, is more conversational, like having a friend explaining it to you. Teachers tell us students actually enjoy reading Now books. We even occasionally use a little humor. Lots of full color illustrations, photos and screen captures.

Q. Are Now books more theory or application oriented?
A. Adobe Photoshop and Photography use technology to produce art; therefore any training has to be both theory(technology) and application(art). Now books are written by Douglas Henderson, who really is a professional designer and photographer. Projects aren't pie-in-the-sky busy work, but assignments Doug's clients have actually commissioned. At the same time, the books give you ways to evaluate the aesthetic qualities of your students work.

Q. Now Books aren't 3 inches thick: why are they thinner than others?
A. Photoshop gives a student many different ways of doing any one task, such as from a menu, a tool, an icon, a palette and a keyboard shortcut. But for the newcomer to try to learn any new task...five different ways, just results in information overload. Now books help students master new tasks by giving them one way to do it. Keyboard shortcuts can come later. Which is why Now books aren't 300 pages long (which results in less printing costs and a cheaper book for you).

Q. How long before I receive books after placing an order?
A. With the exception of very large orders(100+) we usually we ship in less than a week via 2nd day delivery. We can overnight them if you wish.

Q. What about testing?
A. We tried to design these books with your convenience in mind. With any multiple order we are happy to include chapter tests and answers, in the form of MS Word documents, which you can print or modify for your classes. We also include examples of Doug Henderson's work to inspire your students.

Q. What if I run into a problem, something not addressed in the books?
A. You are just the person we want to talk to. Call us(918-688-9606) or e-mail Doug Henderson directly with your questions, problems, suggestions. We appreciate and want your feedback and input; that's how we get better.

Q. What's the format?
A. Coil bound to lay flat beside computers. Space for your notes, large, easy to read text. Heavily indexed and cross-referenced to help you find what you need when you need it. Lots of illustrations, photos, screen captures, most in color to make the book visually interesting.

e-mail us; info@nowbooks.us